Solar Fins

The new Life Sciences Building will generate its own energy using an innovative, first-of-its-kind technology.

The building's south wall is partially comprised of a thin film of solar cells, or "building integrated photovoltaics" (BIPVs), placed within vertical glass segments called "fins". The surface of the BIPV glass fins that face south use the energy from the sun to generate electricity. This electricity is then fed to city's energy grid. This technology will produce enough electricity to light all 12,400 square feet of open and private offices along the perimeter of levels 2-5 throughout the year.

6,412 SF

496

8

2

10%

Transparency of BIPV fins. Options of transparency are 10%, 20%, and 30% with 10% producing the most electricity and solar heat gain reduction.

Amorphous Silicone

Solar cells that are more effective than crystalline silicone in diffuse light conditions such as overcast skies, and are less obstructive to views. The thin solar film is encapsulated within 2 pieces of tempered glass and can easily be integrated into the architectural design.

Custom Curtainwall Mullion

The BIPV fins are supported within a Kawneer curtainwall vertical mullion custom designed to support the glass, encapsulate the junction box electrical connection, and provide a cap on the interior that can be snapped off for maintaining electrical conduit running vertically up to the ceiling.

110,000 kWh

The amount of energy generated by Rooftop solar panels.

122,260 kWh

Total modeled energy generated by both the BIPV fins and the Rooftop solar panels.